Steamboat Springs

My friend, Bill, and his wife, Layla, came up from AZ for the weekend to try Colorado skiing. Bill and I both taught 7th grade at Oakwood. I took them to Steamboat Springs since my parents have a time-share there. We really couldn't of asked for a better weekend. The sun was out, the snow was great, and the lifts were fairly empty. We skied through lunch but by the time 3:00 pm rolled around we were pretty tired. We also really enjoyed the outdoor hot tub afterwards.

This us at the highest peak. I think it is 11,000 ft. I am the White Ninja on the left.

Christmas

This Christmas, I dedicated most of my card space on my camera to taking pictures of my niece and nephews. It's not that I don't love the other members of my family, but I went for the cutest members.

Adam, aka Ben 10, shows off his muscles

Yea, its Christmas tomorrow!

Greta and Matt are all bundled up to brave the Wyoming cold

Adam and Matt

Grandma got Evan and Greta new PJ's for Christmas Eve. Their bottoms say "Ho, Ho, Ho" and "Santa's Little Helper"

Greta sings along with us during "Hark the Herald Angels sing"

One of the Shepperds makes his way down into Bethlehem

"Spider-Mathew, Spider-Mathew..."

Greta and Evan get their first Kitchen Aid

I took Geometry

I am not sure why, but a one of our seniors comes into my classroom during her open block. I was about to go over something with students when she volunteered to do it. As she was reading the answers, she pronounced one incorrectly for fun. The students quickly told her she was wrong. She then replied, "I know, I took geometry." It was a geography class.

Mary, Jesus, and Moses

My friend took her son and his girlfriend around to look at Christmas lights after a basketball game. As they were coming around a corner there was a nativity at one home. The girlfriend said, "Oh, look there's Mary, Jesus, and Moses."

Once again I am entertained by the adolescent mind.

Destin Dale Towse March 28,1992-December 24,2008

Thanks to everyone who said a prayer for Destin. On December 24 at 11 am he was declared brain dead and then he was declared dead at 2:45 pm that same day. During the 6 days he was in a coma he did squeeze his mom's hand but other than that there was no response from him. The funeral was held on Dec. 31 at the High School. It was very nice and there was a sense of peace. He was a really great young man. He always did his best and was willing to try new things. It was nice to hear all the wonderful memories that he had made with others and the affect that he had on many of our students. One thing that was said by a student was to "make the most of everyday, that is what Destin would do." And it is true, he made the most of life. I really enjoyed being his teacher and track coach. Because of his desire to be an organ donor, Destin was able to help seven other people. If you would like to read his obituary click on the following link: Destin

Destin Towse

One of my former students, Destin, was in a serious car accident tonight. At this point all I know is that there is swelling around the brain, his lungs are bruised and he is on an oxygen machine for his breathing. He has not woken up at this point. I would appreciate it if any of you would be willing to say a prayer for him and his family. His mom is currently in Kansas City because her father is dying. I am sure this family would appreciate any prayers. Destin is a great kid. He also ran track for me. Thanks.

I got an update at 11:30pm. Destin is in a drug induced coma at this point. They said the next 48 hrs. is crucial.

Topless Women

I had a student ask me the following on Wednesday. "Ms. Leonard, how come in if a man has his shirt off in a movie the movie can still be rated PG. If a woman has her shirt off the movie is rated R." The following conversation than took place.

Me: "Well, probably because in our culture it is not proper for women to have their shirts off. Do you ever see men with their shirts off in the summer?"

Student: "If it is hot"

Me: "It is okay in our culture for men to do that. In other cultures it is okay for women to have their shirts off."

Student: "What about nude beaches? I think women should be able to go around with their shirts off"

Me: "There are some of those in America. So, what you are saying is that you would like me to go around without a shirt on?"

Student: silence

Me: "Or your mom?"

Student: silence

Me: "I ruined this for you, huh?"

At this point his friends started laughing at him and the conversation was over. This is not the first time he has asked me some weird questions. Last year he asked me what date-rape was and what a hysterectomy was. Oh, the adolescent male mind!